Lexapro (Escitalopram)

Do's

• Before starting Lexapro, read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by the pharmacist. If there are any questions, consult your healthcare provider for guidance.
• Lexapro is typically taken by mouth with or without food as directed by a healthcare provider, usually once daily in the morning or evening. The dosage is based on the individual's medical condition, response to treatment, age, and other medications being taken. It may be necessary to inform your healthcare provider about all the products being used, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products.
• If using the liquid form of Lexapro, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Using a household spoon is not recommended as it may not provide the correct dose.
• To reduce the risk of side effects, your healthcare provider may direct you to start taking Lexapro at a low dose and gradually increase the dose. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully. Do not increase the dose or use the drug more often or for longer than prescribed, as this will not improve the condition faster and may increase the risk of side effects.
• Take Lexapro regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help remember, it should be taken at the same time each day. Even if feeling well, do not stop taking Lexapro without consulting a healthcare provider, as some conditions may worsen when the drug is suddenly stopped. In addition, symptoms such as mood swings, headache, tiredness, sleep changes, and brief feelings similar to electric shock may be experienced when stopping treatment, and your healthcare provider may reduce the dose gradually to prevent these symptoms. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported immediately.
• It may take 1 to 2 weeks to feel a benefit from Lexapro and 4 weeks to feel the full benefit of the medication. If the condition does not improve or worsens, inform your healthcare provider.

Common Side Effects: 

• Gastrointestinal issues
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Respiratory symptoms such as pharyngitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, and upper respiratory tract infection. 

These side effects may gradually improve as the body gets used to the medication. Discuss any discomfort or persistent side effects with a healthcare provider.

Serious Side Effects:

• Sudden changes in mood or thinking

Seek immediate medical help if the listed serious side effects arise. Although other serious side effects are rare, contact a healthcare provider if any concerns arise.

Sexual Side Effects: 

• Some individuals may experience sexual side effects, which usually pass after the first couple of weeks. However, in rare cases, they can be long-lasting and may not improve even after stopping the medication. If these effects are problematic, discuss them with a healthcare provider.

Dosage-Related Side Effects: 

• At higher dosages, Lexapro may be more likely to cause gastrointestinal side effects, such as diarrhea. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding dosage and report any concerns about side effects promptly.

The specific side effects of Lexapro can vary from person to person, and certain health conditions may also increase the chance of side effects. Therefore, discussing any health history with a healthcare provider before starting Lexapro is advisable. Moreover, if concerns about side effects arise, speak with a healthcare provider about potential adjustments to the dosage or alternative treatments.

Lexapro is contraindicated in patients taking MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) or pimozide. Starting Lexapro in a patient who is being treated with MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue is also contraindicated due to the increased risk of serotonin syndrome. Additionally, individuals with a hypersensitivity to escitalopram or citalopram, or any of the inactive ingredients in Lexapro should not use the medication.

Prior to initiating treatment with Lexapro or another antidepressant, patients should be screened for a personal or family history of bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania.

Symptoms associated with discontinuation of Lexapro and other SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) have been reported. Discuss any plans to discontinue treatment with a healthcare provider.

Lexapro may carry a risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults. This medication is not indicated for children younger than 12 years old.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children, never share medicines with others, and use Lexapro only for the indication prescribed.

The specific warnings and precautions for Lexapro should be discussed with a healthcare provider, as individual medical history and circumstances may impact the suitability of this medication.